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AA118. Exceptional Solid 14K Gold Multi-Color Men's Hunter!This outstanding timepiece is 16 size (case diameter 49 mm, or just over 1 7/8"). The case is solid 14 karat gold and so marked, and was made by Solidarity, a respected case maker from100 years ago. This case has a lot of intricate hand engraving and solid gold overlay in colors of pink gold, green gold, white gold, and yellow gold. Even the bow is pink, and nicely complements the overall design of this fine piece. These designs are on both sides and this case is truly a handmade piece of art. The case has very little wear, so all the engraving and other hand work is still sharp and crisp. The case back and dust cover open a little bit beyond 90 degrees. The case front cover opens to just a tiny bit past 90. Now, the case latch is tight, and does not release easily, so when the crown is depressed to open the front, it is necessary to pull up a little bit on the front cover. Once the latch is past, the case opens with the spring. I think this case may just need a little more use, and wear, for this latch to release a little bit more easily. Alternately, you could have a little metal taken off the latch, but I would not do that. The dial is porcelain with Roman numerals.The dial is perfect with no hairlines, cracks, or chips. The original movement for this watch is an AWWCo. grade with 17 jewels, made by the Waltham Watch Co. The pendant set movement has gold jewel settings, gold center wheel, and gold balance wheel screws. The movement is adjusted and so marked. This movement has been cleaned and oiled and runs strong. I rarely find such nice solid gold watches any more, and it's a pleasure to be able to offer this one for sale. SOLD, 1/2/12 |
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AA139. Early Lady Elgin 18K Gold Keywind Hunter!This is one of the nicest early ladies' hunters that I've had in years. This fine solid gold watch is 10 size, with a case diameter of 44 mm. The case is solid 18 karat gold and clearly marked as such. As always, I guarantee my gold watches are solid gold, not gold plate. The case exteriour is about 25% hand engraved with the balance engine turned, and has only light wear with crisp engine turning all the way across the curvature of the front and back covers. The case opens properly to 90 degrees, and closes properly and tightly. The hand engraving is identical on both sides, and shows two birds on either side of a nest containing 4 eggs. Neat case! The case interior is also of the highest quality as the images show. The maker's name, N. Matson & Co., Chicago, is stamped on both covers with K18 inside the marking. The rest of the interior of the front and back covers is highly patterned. This is one of the most ornate cases I've seen, but is typical of this early time period in American watch cases. Please be aware of the light scratching on the dust cover around the winding and setting holes, caused by a winding key. Not a big deal, but this is really the only visible sign of use on this entire case. I should add this is a heavy weight case with thick front and rear covers, and even the dust cover is thick. The total weight of this case, without the steel springs, is about 35 grams which is well over a troy ounce! There is a lot of gold in this fine timepiece!. The mint original porcelain dial is marked with a trademark representation of NWC, which stands for National Watch Co, the name used before Elgin was added to the name. Note the delicate and original blued hands, which are also in excellent condition. Not surprisingly, the movement in this case is also of the highest quality. As per the images, the movement is marked "Lady Elgin, No. 161300, Patent, Elign, Ill." and "Moseley's Patent" is on the balance bridge. The movement is keywind and keyset from the back side. The gilt finish is bright and excellent, with a single slight scratch across the barrel bridge. This early movement does not have the jeweling marked, but this fine watch does have 15 jewels, which is very high grade for the date of manufacture, 1873 (Advanced collectors - I am aware that the Elgin serial number list shows this as an 11 jewel movement. Sorry, that is simply not correct. This watch is jeweled on both plates. I've had the dial off, and I can count.) This movement has been cleaned and oiled, runs strong, and keeps time. It is a pleasure to be able to offer this fine watch for sale. $2495 |